𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tampa, FL- April 12, 2024

The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida (USF) is proud to announce that Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Master Sergeant Jeff Massaro will be honored as their CARD Champion for Autism at the upcoming fundraiser, Fiesta by the Bay for Autism . The event is scheduled to take place on April 27th, 2024, at the University of South Florida’s Gibbons Alumni Center.

Master Sergeant Massaro is being recognized for his unwavering commitment to protecting residents of Hillsborough County with autism. His invaluable contributions to the effectiveness of the SafetyNet Tracking program at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) have significantly enhanced the safety and well-being of individuals with autism in the community.

Read full press release here: https://usf.box.com/s/chzdzkb4f30tta9vs46l7atd9ow0m0ov

Young Artist Finds Inspiration from a Special Gift from her Abuela

Lisa Bunn is a mother of a young autistic, and talented little girl named Elena.  When Lisa sought out extra-curricular activity ideas for her little girl, she knew that art was one of her daughter’s passions.  So she reached out to her daughter’s CARD Consultant for advice since she has valued and trusted their opinion over the years since her daughter’s diagnosis.  When Shyama’s Art Studio was highly recommended as being an autism friendly business, Lisa immediately reached out for a tour. 

Elena with Mrs. Shyama and her bookmark art submission.

After a successful tour and interview with Mrs. Shyama, Elena began attending the art studio in December of 2022.  Elena has grown to absolutely enjoy going to Mrs. Shyama’s Art Studio.  As soon as Elena walks into the art studio, she showers Mrs. Shyama with love and affection.  The bond and love they share has caused Elena to blossom into a beautiful artist.  Elena has even entered a few art contests since becoming a student and recently won first place for Hillsborough County’s contest to promote bicycle helmet safety.  Her most recent venture has her entering the Hillsborough County Library Hispanic Heritage bookmark art contest. 

Elena with her Abuela

This contest is dear to Elena’s mother due to their Spanish background.  Elena’s grandmother, Francisca Cordero and known to Elena as Abuela, was born and raised in Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain, which is just outside of the capital of Madrid.  Elena used several self-portraits of herself for inspiration for her contest submission. Specifically, a picture of her when she was two years old in a Flamenco dress that her Abuela purchased for her from Spain.  The irony of these photos consists of Elena in a red flamenco dress, which is her favorite color.  Elena then chose the yellow background to compliment her red dress to represent the Spanish flag and their heritage.  She amazes her family and many others with her amazing talent. 

Little Elena in her flamenco dress. The dress that was inspiration for her art submission.

¡Olé Elena!

• Written and submitted by Lisa Bunn, Elena’s mother